Ramkumar Ramanathan to lead India's Davis Cup squad in Pakistan; Sumit Nagal, Sasikumar Mukund not included

Ramkumar Ramanathan will lead India’s singles campaign in the Davis Cup clash against Pakistan in February. Sumit Nagal and Sasikumar Mukund had asked to not be included in the travelling party and have thus not made the six member squad. Nagal, India’s highest ranked singles player at No 138, and Mukund, ranked 511, had expressed unwillingness to play in Pakistan in the Davis Cup World Group I play-off tie. As per news agency PTI, Nagal didn’t want to play because the tie will be held on grass, a surface that does not suit his game style. Meanwhile, Mukund has opted out because of “personal reasons”. Ramanathan, the second highest ranked Indian at No 442, will thus carry India’s mantle in the tie. His serve-and-volley playing style would be best suited for the grass court tennis. It will be the first time Indian doubles campaign will not feature Rohan Bopanna who has retired from the team competition. In his absence, the doubles pairing is likely to be Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni. The winner of the India-Pakistan tie will stay in World Group I for the year 2024. Other players in the squad are N Sriram Balaji, Niki Poonacha with Digvijay Pratap Singh, who made his debut against Morocco in September this year, kept as a reserve. India’s squad for Davis Cup tie vs Pakistan: Ramkumar Ramanathan, N Sriram Balaji, Yuki Bhambri, Saketh Myneni, Niki Poonacha, Digvijay Pratap Singh (reserve)